Re: Starting hourly pay?

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On 3/17/06, Kristi wrote:
> Thanks to those who responded (especially Carol) w/o getting
> into a fight with LawGuru.
>
> As a follow up: I met with the attorney in question, and she
is
> offering $20 per hour for 24 hours a week for p/t employmet
with
> the potential of profit-sharing down the road. I think I would
> learn a lot in her field (estate planning/probate
> administration) - but unfortunately have no idea what the local
> rates are around here for comparison.
>
> My goal is to open a solo practice. I'm confident that I'm
> smart enough to do it, and I have some financial reserves
> (though not $50K!). Is it worthwhile to work with this solo
for
> a while to see how a practice is run, and get some client
> contact and experience (of which I have zilch), or should I
> decline the offer and continue with my plan to open up a
limited
> practice in September? For those of you who have worked with a
> small firm, or have gone straight out and formed your own
> practice, what would you advise?
>
> (BTW-I want to work p/t since I have a 3 year old at home, and
> really don't want to work f/t yet. He'll be in school soon
enough).
>
> Thanks again for any advice!!
>
> kristi
>
Kristi, I can only speak from my own experience, but if it were
me I would go for the part-time work with the solo. $35.00/hr
sound like chickenfeed until you look at the big picture and
it's 72k/year. that's not bad for starting out. plus you have
the opportunity to work part time since your child is obviously
a priority for you. I made the decision not to even try to go
to a firm because I did not want to work the hours that they
often require a new associate to work. my family time is
important to me. Yes there are times when i have to work late
or weekends, but not that many. With going part-time with the
other attorney,you do not have the initual cash outlay for
setting up your own business. That can be very expensive when
you factor in the office machinery and ancillary help. the
person you're going to be working for will have invaluable
advice and guidance that you could not get on your own. After a
couple of years, you'll be better equiped to go out on your own
because you will have the client and possibly courtroom
experience. Sounds like a win-win to me. Best of luck to you.